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Councils rebel on late-drinking laws

LOCAL councils in areas that have become blighted by binge drinking are refusing new licences to pubs, clubs and bars that want to open late in an unforeseen twist to the new drinking laws.

Westminster city council — the biggest licensing authority in the country — said this weekend it would refuse new applications for late-night drinking venues in the West End. Nottingham and Newcastle councils are also planning tight controls on late-night drinking.

The tough stance means that the new act is likely to be tested in the courts as big bar and pub chains seek to challenge the councils and have their licence refusals overturned.

The councils are expected to defend their position, pointing out that the new law means that they — elected officials, rather than magistrates — are now responsible for licensing decisions and that they have a legal obligation to take on board local residents’ concerns about binge drinking